Took advantage of the temperate Sunday afternoon weather to head over to the high school track for a few laps.

Sun was peeking through the clouds, which had me debating whether or not to wear my, um, running hat.

I’m not supposed to be in the sun that much.

I inherited many things from my dad, among them an appreciation for jazz, a penchant for re-telling favorite stories, and bad skin.

The hat’s very … protective, by which I mean it’s large and … wide-brimmed.

Not saying it’s like an Easter bonnet … just that it’s more functional than, you know, a fashion choice.

Gets windy at the track, so I like that it has a string that goes under your chin that you can cinch.

You know, like a manly … bonnet.

Enough sun was peeking through … so I decided to throw caution to the fashion winds and cinch ‘er up.

Was a couple laps in when I saw an older couple walking down the hill that leads to the track.

They were dressed for a walk, not a workout.

The lady wore a long blue coat while her large beau sported a jacket and jeans.

Both wore big, floppy hats atop their silver heads.

I came up behind them a minute later, and as I passed I turned around and said, “I appreciate your hats!”

I chalk up my enthusiasm to a slow jogger’s high.

Gave ‘em a big smilin’ thumbs-up.

You should’ve seen their faces alight.

“Yours too!” the big fella said, gesturing towards my formidable headwear.

“These are my people,” I thought to myself as I turned back around.

Unironically, I might add.

Next lap around the big fella calls after me, “Hey, I like yours … where’d you get it? ”

I turned around and walked backwards so I could face them.

Me: My son got it for me. Not sure where.

He: The brim looks sturdy.

I cannot overstate how delighted I was to be having this conversation.

Me: Indeed it is!

He: Repels UV light, I assume?

Me: Not totally sure, but I assume so?

He: You know, skin cancer’s the most common form of cancer.

Me: I didn’t know that!

Told him of my inheritance from my father.

“These people get me,” I thought to myself as I turned back around.

Next lap I told ‘em that I was inspired by their example.

Meant it, too.

The lady said, “Oh, we’re just walking … while you’re zooming around.”

Zooming’s a relative concept, trust me.

I turned around and walked backwards again.

“The reason I do this is in hopes that someday I’ll live to be as wise as you … and still walking outside on a beautiful day like this.”

You should’ve seen their faces alight.

Yep, my people.

I would’ve tipped my hat to ’em, but it was cinched pretty tight … manly bonnet style.

Gets windy over there sometimes.